Shorewood Police Changing Squad Car Graphics

SHOREWOOD, IL — For the past several years, people driving through Shorewood became accustomed to seeing Shorewood's officers driving a dark green and white police vehicle, but change is underway. At the moment, Shorewood now has its first new Ford Interceptor that has dramatically changed the graphic design logo on the vehicle.

Shorewood's new police vehicle features black bold lettering with the word POLICE. At the bottom of the squad car door is the word Shorewood. While green was dominant in the old design, these police vehicles feature white.

Historically, one of the biggest complaints police departments often hear from people is why don't I see squad cars out on regular patrols, explained Shorewood Police Chief Phil Arnold, who took over the department in January after retiring in 2021 as the Wilmington police chief.

Arnold said Shorewood is getting two more white and black newly designed Ford Expeditions anytime now. In addition, another two will be added to the police fleet next year as part of the village's 2023 operating budget, he said.

He said the new graphic logo cost Shorewood less than $2,000 per vehicle, which is cheaper than what the old squad car design logo cost.

Arnold said a committee set up by the village considered several options for the new squad car design. The consensus was to focus on black and white for the primary colors.

"Black and white, it's an old trend that's coming back," Arnold told Patch. "It's a simpler, cleaner look."

Arnold said that since people around Shorewood have noticed the new squad car logo, he's received mostly compliments about the changes. "We've had a lot of great comments, including some from people I wouldn't expect. With this design, we did consider cost, and we were able to save some money by changing the design, so it's a win-win."